Wednesday, August 5, 2015

J.Crew Updates Website with New Arrivals!

"Thanks!" to many of you,who let us know that J.Crew had an update to its website (click here to view online).

There are some new arrivals for men(click here) & women (click here). {wahoo!} It looks like Crewcuts (click here) has been updated, as did the J.Crew Collection (click here).

FYI: J.Crew posts images of the newest catalog over at Pinterest (click here to view).

The email mentions over 150 new arrivals, but I did not notice that many new items. I love Fall, but this roll out is too similar to the last one to get me excited. But I look forward to the next big rollout!

What items are you most excited
about and why? Which items are you surprised (or not surprised) to
see? Which items did you hope would be included? Were you
expecting a bigger roll-out? Also, did you receive the
latest catalog? :)

For $88, ta boot! Who would pay $88 for a nondescript, shapeless polyester top when they same thing can be had for about $12 at H&M or F21 or wherever else you can get nondescript, shapeless polyester.

OT. Article running on Yahoo from Business Insider: how J Crew is in Danger of becoming the next gap. All valid points we have brought up over and over. I will admit it is hard to look at the sale section when the discount is only 30% and the super sale items that were 75% are now only 50%. I would still be willing to take a chance if they removed the dreaded final sale. But overall I always wait for sale now and with the bargins I got at 75% off 30% make it hard to pull the trigger.

Yes, I just read that article.Please Mickey, I am still waiting for the" JCrew finally gets it right article".I was in the store yesterday and saw some tentative steps in the right direction, but nothing I couldn't find elsewhere. I am still crossing my fingers and waiting....

Has anyone checked out the Collection photos, online? It looks like a preview of what's to come in a couple of weeks. Lots of tweed, wools, fall colors, with some metallic!

Ugh...I am crushing on that Collection moto leather jacket in navy. I might just pick that over Madewell's moto jacket. I was worried the price would be $800+, but for $550, that's doable. I hope the fit won't be weird like that green one I tried on, with the 'linebacker' shoulders. :-D

Sorry, but $550+ in my case almost 9% tax is not a bargain. Michael Kors offers many moto jackets. Comparable full price, but go on sale a lot. Just last month bough a Michael Kors moto jacket on ebay for less that 150, shipped (tags attached)!. I got a different color of the same style on a super sale in a store this spring. I wore it so often, that I decided to get another one on ebay. Last year, it was sold at Neimans and other stores for about 600. And since the style is so classic, I couldn't care less that it was a "last season" style.So as much as I like the designs of 2 moto jackets and the standing collar one offered at jcrew now, it is a definite pass at a full price.

That's a good deal! I'm weary about buying high-end merchandise from ebay. I've been burned before, (inexperienced) and have spent a lot of money on something that turned out to be fake. So I would rather buy it from somewhere that is familiar to me (creature of habit, I guess). :)

With crazy prices on their collection items, it surprised me that this one is priced reasonably; comparing it to Madewell's moto jacket, its about the same.

And I just got a 20% promo when I received my J.Crew CC. $550 down to $440.

Michael Kors leather jackets are gorgeous and well made. I adore mine. You can find them quite often at a discount and I've the fits to be classic and flattering ... No linebacker shoulders or oversized proportions.

I saw your comment/review of a newly purchased Tippi. I have two coming to me shortly from the super-sale - black (a spare) and midnight. How do I know if they are from previous seasons or not? I can just try them on but if you know how I can determine the season before purchasing I would be grateful. I have loved my Tippi's and am sad that JC messed with the design.

I don't own any Tippi either! And also if you want to see what season an item is from when you have the item in hand look at the white tag on the side..it will say it on there...so example: Sum 15, Hol 15...etc.

I bought two Tippis on sale last Spring and have to say I dislike them tremendously because they irritate my skin. I had hoped that wouldn't happen, but the only way I'll be able to wear them is with a turtleneck underneath, and they might not be loose enough for that. :(

Since I am on that topic - I also do not own any jewelry. In about 10-15 year I have literally not purchased a single jewelry item. I love watched, very expensive watches :). I have two pairs of very simple gold studs, tiny pearl studs, and a tiny gold chain that I wear all the time. That is all I need. I am very minimalistic when it comes to jewelry. But again, the watches....especially the vintage ones. Ah....

Has anyone tried the silk zipper tank top (item C9136)? It would fill a hole in my wardrobe, but my local store didn't have it to try and I'm on the fence about ordering. It's from the July rollout and just got marked down a bit. Thanks!

I've been eying this top too. No reviews on JC's site yet.I was about to order it yesterday with the new Oxford Belted dress in pale blue when the dress disappeared in my size. Kinda bummed, the pale blue was the only color I wanted. I already have a similar dress in navy and the orange color does not look good on me.

@maryeb. OT you were asking about the Gemma flats. I received the glitter ones today and love them. The sizing is kind of weird for me.The run big amd wide,so i had to size down half a size. Now they look like childrens shoes on me in the 5 1/2 or is that just a trick my mind plays with me.Anyway,they run big in my opinion .HTH

I really love the belted oxford dress. But.....as usual I'm disappointed that it will still be kinda short on me. I'm 5'9" and need around 40" from the shoulder to feel comfortable with the length. Why don't they offer it in tall? When it hits sale I might order it just to see and get it off my mind.

Stray Cat, that's exactly the same reason I won't be ordering the belted oxford dress. I need 40". I was so excited when I saw the image, then disappointed when I saw it wasn't offered in tall sizing. Yet it is offered in petite. Sigh. I am not even going to try, even on sale, because I know it will be too short and I'll never wear it.

I received the new Irish moss color in the Excursion vest. I felt it was too yellow for me. And my normal size (I own 4 already) seemed a tad smaller. I'm not surprised. Typically cutting corners to safe money tactic. I returned it.

OT: Banana Republic has some great new shoes for fall! - I like the Annetta pump and the Damsel D'Orsay pump. They are offering 30% with no exclusions for Luxe card holders right now (AUGBRC) -- really wish J. Crew would do a no exclusions event for card holders....

Luxette, I have been waiting on the Avila pump since I saw the fall runway show. They aren't showing the mustard yellow or the beautiful burgundy. Hopefully those colors will come out in future rollouts. I have so many things from the Banana Republic fall line on my wish list. I'm ordering the Avila pumps and the denim gaucho pant now. Waiting patiently for the leopard print jacket. Marissa Webb has improved their offerings quite a bit.

The leopard print jacket is in look number 3. I really hope it isn't a situation where the item doesn't make it to production or looks vastly different. The denim gaucho pant and Avila pumps I referred to in my post above are in look 6. There are quite a few things I'm looking forward to and hope they come out in future rollouts. BR is doing a great job this fall.

It is great and I am putting it on my list for fall shopping -- even if it's very similar to the leopard jacket I got from Banana Republic in fall 1998 -- had to stalk every store in Manhattan to get it, but I still wear it. After 17 years, I suppose I can put it out to pasture.

So the pencil skirt in marble print is completely sold out ( I am sure it will popback) and the vintage scarf print dress is sold out in the majority of sizes. The fun colorful prints in natural fabrics are a winner. Now I am not sure how many of these items were produced but it shows these are the types of items people are interested in. Just hoping too see more to come. But I do like some of what I am seeing.

What's everyone's take on the new style of the styles online? All the movement etc. I don't mind it, but it feels a little distracting. The shits and dresses unbuttoned to the ribcage feels a little desperate though. My favorite photo is the gray cap sleeve work dress unbuttoned and styled with white Roxies and Jenna glasses. Sexy secretary run amok?

Just like with the styles, pushing the envelope until jumping the shark. From smiley, happy "moving model" to those absent minded/confused/spaced out look, now we have those obfuscating a fit of an item completely/"bye, bye", good luck seeing anything properly look. Do not like it at all.

Same here -- I don't care for the artsy (?) photos, and I won't order an item if I can't see how it fits. Not that I'm built anything like a JC model, mind you! I like how Boden, Everlane, etc, include videos of their products so you can see 360-degree fit.

I miss the barnboard and pretty green backgrounds they used 7-8 years ago. The white background, motion poses and blown-out lighting can make it really hard to tell what you're going to get IRL, especially when it comes to denim. The online pics show some great washes that look much different IRL. I've received a few yellow/dingy pairs that didn't look that way at all online.

OT, but has anyone seen the Marcie criss cross sandals (NOT the wedge version) in metallic gold still in their stores? Looking for 7.5 or 8. I know a total longshot. Gone from websites. Or do you have a style number and I could try to call CS? Thanks!

Does anyone know what is going on w/ J.Crew's baby line? Are they pulling the plug on it? There is no button at the top of the page for baby stuff anymore and everything they have is on sale. Most of the baby stuff was completely overpriced ($150 baby cashmere sweater?!) but I love their basics.

I'm still puzzling over the military trench. It appeared on the previous rollout as available for preorder, expected to ship August 3. I ordered it out of curiosity. It stayed backordered for about a week, and then my account showed that it was waitlisted but still expected to ship August 3. The website showed the coat as completely sold out. And then, on August 1, the website showed the coat as available for preorder in all sizes, expected to ship September 15.

My account shows the coat as waitlisted for the August 3 ship date, but of course this cannot be. Or can it?

Their website has been acting strange lately. I have wishlist items that I check on occasion in case it becomes low stock, and one night it'll say 'Out of stock', then the next day, its fully stocked. It has happened many times to me.

You should receive an email if there was a date change to your waitlisted order.

I had to check and see for myself and just wow...I hoped at least someone from J Crew read this blog enough to see the post and yank the picture but apparently not. Let's hope the new sales model for J Crew Mercantile is not a plan to re-sell Old Navy items.

@Realtor first mentioned, I had to see to believe, @TeriLynn checked to see for herself because of the absurdity of it and it is still there... How is this even possible to start with ? How did this happen in the first place? How on earth one would buy an ON item from a JC website?

Hilarious! So tragically funny. But check out the oldnavy site. Plenty of similar sneakers sold for 24.99! So basically the Factory is trying to sell us a merchandise that OldNavy refused, for twice the price. WOW!

the canadian online site...is crazy ! some prices are still full price (items which have been on sale forever on the US site. and some not even coming up 30% off (even though they are in the sale section) someone is asleep at the wheel !!!!

OT: I'll be in Virginia in September and am contemplating a visit to the clearance center in Lynchburg. I'll be a little over an hour and a half away. Is it worth checking out? I live in Massachusetts so this is likely the only opportunity I'll have to check it out? Suggestions and thoughts are welcome. (I am picturing the clearance center to be similar to the 2 Talbots clearance stores we have here in Massachusetts--they are much better and very different from the outlets.)

Oh yes! It can be hit or miss but you will definitely find some good stuff. I visit the clearance store in Arden regularly and always find way too much stuff. The Lynchburg store is much bigger and has lots of Madewell as well. If you are that close, Go!!!! I think you will really enjoy! Speaking of good deals, I ask a store to order some beach towels, the navy trim straw hat and jeweled denim Cyprus sandals all for 75% off this morning and some of it was tax free this weekend. Sweet! The beach towels look super nice and only $11.00 a piece.

Great for those living near clearance centers. But I am a little confused. How come a person can "order" an item from just previous season - spring, for example, at a significant discount when it is "sold out" online at much higher price point? Thinking of Cyprus jeweled sandals, a very popular item, not something they had problems selling on jcrew.com, as a matter got sold out very quickly once went on sale. That just makes no sense to me.

My gang (coworkers as crazy about the crew) and I, just checked ebay. Lol, all those jeweled Cyprus recently listed on ebay, multiple pairs from a sellers from Lynchburg area. Clearly JCrew sells it the their clearance stores for a deep discount. So much winter stuff we are really tired seeing still lingers on jcrew.com, but a coveted in demand item that was selling just fine is at the clearance stores. That is puzzling.

Of course they do. They have a little bit of everything including collection, sold out, etc. it is not just junk at the clearance stores, it is good stuff. To clarify, I ordered my stuff online through a regular B&M not through the clearance store. They don't take orders or ship. They will only hold things til close of business that day. All that stuff that shows up on eBay with a black line through the tag, likely came from a clearance store or the warehouse sale. People buy up to resale. Those Cyprus were likely around $15-$20 depending on what promo they were running when purchased. I got mine for $12.00.

I have scored some great bargains from those resellers, so power to them. But seeing how cheap the stuff gets, and realizing how ridiculous the markups are, especially at full-price is one more reason why I shop sale-on-sale only.

I stopped by this afternoon, first time since my 75% online haul. Man, all the poly and pleather ... It all felt very fast fashion to me like I was in F21. It's going to be hard to justify regular prices in upcoming roll outs for the same, or worse, quality than I got for 75% off. I've kind of lost my appetite for the fast fashion stuff and I really want some SLOW fashion. Maybe it's just that I love tweeds and suede for fall, but my money is probably going elsewhere for fall items.

I'm so sad that the shoes are no longer made in Italy. Say what you want about their lack of comfort, but they used to be well-made and long lasting. In terms of slow fashion, I think it's fun to shop used items from past seasons in the various online trading sites!

Ruffles, I hear you. I posted in Other Retailers about my purchase from Zady. Between their literature and The True Cost, I feel, less, better quality, and yes more expensive is what I am starting to do. I am going on vacation in 3 weeks and that whole open my closet, so much in there, what to take, always overwhelms me. So I am whittling my closet down and really enjoying my clothes more. And Fidele, I agree.

Someone here mentioned The True Cost documentary which we watched the other night. How timely.....I've been having that uncomfortable deep down gutted feeling every morning when I stand in my walk-in closet and stare at my clothes. I've admitted to myself I hate my clothes, I have a sickening amount of shoes and handbags and I'm ashamed. I don't shop at WalMart or Old Navy and have bought only one thing at H & M.....but that doesn't matter. I now consider J. Crew, Ann Taylor, Banana R.....all of them are fast fashion. I've tried to buy things this year and I've returned almost 100% of everything. I say it's because they were cheaply made and poor quality, but I now realize I was suffocating myself, my mind and my spirit with stuff....stuff I didn't need and only wanted for a brief second. Friday, August 7, 2015 began my journey into a life free of unnecessary shopping. I already feeling like a boulder has been lifted from my hands. I will be doing some major purging, giving things away and donating in the next few months. I've done this kind of purging all my life so it won't be hard. I urge everyone to watch The True Cost. Only the consumer (and our dollars) can create changes in how our clothes are made. I now longer want clothes made with blood and tears. I'll get off my soap box now.

Now something about J. Crew......I made a return yesterday. The short sleeved pullover....oh, yah, they are all called that....it's item c9123. It was too short and boxy. What's new, right? And I didn't NEED it. I don't know if this is happening to any of you, but I can't go into my store now without the sales staff interrogating me. I'm asked why I'm returning (and they want details), what I think of a particular item (yesterday it was the "new" denim....I didn't even know they are "new" or what that means). I said "when you call your jeans matchsticks or toothpicks, it's really off putting. Do I look like I'm a matchstick or toothpick? I've never tried your jeans because what you are saying is that only very thin women or girls can wear them." The manager then told me that they changed the name of the men's chinos from "Slim" because men told them they won't try things called "slim"....so I asked...."Did it ever occur to you that women feel the same?". They asked me how I felt about the new fall things and I said I try one thing and I had to size up 2 sizes to get them to be what they were saying they were (relaxed fit). Then I told them truthfully how I felt about my clothes, myself and how I was feeling about the entire industry. Boy....things got uncomfortable and they diverted the conversation to slamming H & M and similar stores for being so cheap and poor quality. Seriously??? They will continue down the black hole if they continue to stay in denial about the real issues that are plaguing their company.

StrayCat, I haven't watched that documentary yet and I feel the same way. That line "fewer better things" resonates with me. I don't even remember where I first heard it. I have completely rethought my wardrobe and my shopping habits. In 2008 I bought almost everything in the J. Crew fall rollout. This year I have purchased 3 items from J. Crew and all are getting worn frequently. I am buying a lot more from Everlane, Zady, Cuyana and Emerson Fry, companies with some transparency and accountability with regard to where and how their garments are made. I ordered another bag from Thredup this morning so I can continue my purge efforts. Most importantly for me, I created a wardrobe document with images and descriptions of each item I own. It has been so helpful in understanding what I have. I can see wardrobe holes and fill them, and don't run into the problem I had a few years ago where I'd realize I bought the same thing twice! Or three times.

I'm still going to buy at the "mall" stores like Gap, Banana Republic and J. Crew. The purchases will be thought out and necessary, and if the quality is lacking when the item arrives it will be returned. I have become the queen of returns and closet purging. My friend describes me as ruthless :) I've never been a person with anxiety or stress, yet I notice as I cull the closet that I feel calmer and more focused. And oddly it is easier to get dressed.

Wow, you guys are speaking to a lot of the same feelings I've had lately. I remember when I first graduated from college and was just beginning my career and was dead broke. I would splurge on some J.Crew items that I honestly couldn't afford (but oh...they were so much better back then...) but would supplement my wardrobe with cheaper items from The Limited, Loft, and (cringe) Express. As my paychecks and tastes improved, I got so sick of the cheap lower-end clothing and started phasing it out completely.

But now, I feel like I'm in the same situation with my J.Crew and BR items! I have a closet full of J.Crew items from the last two years that I have only worn once or twice and doubt I'll ever wear again. I'm so sick of that overwhelming feeling of waste when I walk into my closet and stare at all of the ill-fitting, poor quality, and in some cases, downright ugly clothes. It's definitely forced me to be more selective with what I do purchase, and even more so with what I keep. I probably return around 75% of the items I've bought in the last two seasons.

Something I did last weekend and thought I would share. In going through my closet, I found some lovely J Crew items, cotton shirts, teeshirts that I thought I would purge because of the sequins, rhinestones etc. But I took a stitch remover, handy little gadget and removed them. Washed and ironed and now I have some 'new' items that I will definitely wear.

After reading Marie Kondo's book, I decided it was time to clean out my closet. I've begin the ruthless purge. It makes me sick to see the clothes I've purchased the last two years, the quality of the items, and the embarrassing credit card debt that came with it all.

The True Cost is so eye-opening, I don't think you can ever look at buying clothes the same again after watching it.

I didn't used to think of J Crew as fast fashion. In the good old days, most items were beautifully made and the strategy w Jenna seemed to be making the brand higher quality and more aspirational w the focus on NYFW and Collection.

Today, Mercantile seems to represent the strategy ... The market they are going after is clearly fast fashion. I just hope there are things for everyone in the fall rollouts

I watched the documentary just a few days ago, after my husband mentioned it, and it is very sad; especially the cotton growers using pesticide, and the leather dying process. I wonder how conditions in China is like though (where most of J.Crew clothes are made), which wasn't in the documentary. It only showed Cambodia and India.

I always go in Zara and H&M, but I never buy anything...the designs are nice, but i never liked the fabrics. Maybe because I know it won't last after a few washes.

I don't like how J.Crew has become so big, that the quality of their merchandise declined. I wish them the best, because I like their clothes, just not a lot of it, lately...

Thank you all for your supportive comments! I was tentative about posting my feelings and thoughts about my regrettable decisions which landed me with a closet full of poor quality, ill fitting garments on a board about fashion. I have always told myself that I can't "afford" expensive well made (even "designer" garments) but when I add up how much money ( and time ) I've spent on cheap junk that I've eventually donated or thrown away, I could have easily purchased a well curated collection of beautiful, elegant clothing made of real fabrics with real craftsmanship from company's who take pride in their products. And "designer" clothes as well! That's my goal now. To be a thoughtful and picky consumer. Not to settle for junk clothes. Seriously, I could live the rest of my life (I'm assuming I'll live to be old) needing to only replace undergarments and athletic wear. That's how many clothes I own. But I love clothes and I'm sure I'll want to buy something new at some point. My goal is to start dressing how I want to dress. I have stopped looking at fashion blogs (I love all of you with fashion blogs....I just have to remove the temptation out of my live for now) and vow to save my money (I want to travel more) and buy clothes when I really need to buy something. Personally this is all part of an overwhelming need to unclutter and simplify my life. And to free my time and bank account from the endless rat race that shopping has become for me. I'm so happy to read that so many of you are feeling the same. More awareness is the key.....so pass the word!

One way I'll know that JC has been listening to customer outcry of late is what their pencil skirt offerings will be for fall. I'm a big fan and probably own 10 of them from JC. Last fall their double serge pencils came in four quiet colors (black, navy, olive etc.) and then a bright citrus. The latter sold out very quickly - I should have grabbed one early. The "normal" colors lingered for a long time - probably still on super sale. I really miss J Crew's distinctive colors and I hope they offer traditional (useful) styles with pretty hues - I will definitely buy one or more.

I was just glancing over their fall style guide from 2011, and I am hoping they make the serge no.2 in leopard, because that was the last year it was made. Every fall, I always wish they'd make it; if not, this year would be the fourth fall season...

Ina (@inawonderland5 ) our JCA ( that we know works at J Crew...because she told us) posted the cover of the new style guide coming out soon. one funny comment was someone was going to send her spam until she scanned it all online. looking forward to fall roll out.I think we all have high hopes every new roll out. but fall is usually the best ! C

Love the jacket! I had talked myself out of the marble print top but then talked myself back into it so it's on the way. I was going to order the jacket at the same time but with temps in the 100s with no relief in sight here in Texas it's hard to think about jackets! But if I don't move quick I'm afraid they'll sell out of the tall smalls ....

Reviews here from the last rollout. The polka dot Tippi w/shoulder buttons and washed lamé pants. Pants remind me of the linen-city silk pants from 2009. I have two side-by-side comparison in the post.

The Gilt City 30% off coupon for Factory is back. Good thru Aug 16. Can be used in-store or online. Coupons are one-time use only. Be sure to select 5 when you place your "order," for a total of 5 coupons. Click to get yours.

Dear J.Crew Aficionadas & Aficionados: Please feel free (and encouraged) to share your thoughts and opinions. :) However, please note that this is still a personal blog. So comments that are considered inappropriate (e.g. obscene, racist, homophobic, personal attacks, rude, and just plain mean) will be removed.

Incidentals

The following blog is just a forum for people to express their thoughts and opinions about J.Crew. Also, please note that most (if not all) of the images come from J.Crew's website and/ or catalog. Lastly, J.Crew is *not* affiliated with this site. :)